Job Discussion Forums

[MrWright]

Ok. Maybe it's cuz I've never done this and it all just seems overwhelming. But I'm wracking my brains and can't figure out my next move. Now, I haven't done squat, so there's that. But trying to get my first job in china that isn't gonna blow up in my face or work me to death, no promises I know, is paralyzingly my efforts. Not sure how to proceed. Some of you may know a little about me from other posts. But here's the basic CV. BA in education, licensed teacher in the US, 7 years public high school experience. Don't really want intl school jobs. Just esl. It appears that there are so many hurdles beauracracy wise. Recruiter? Dave's job board and just apply. Networking, not that I know anybody. I'm currently in thailand just chillin and living the dream for a few months. Oh, and that I'm outside the US, I read that could cause visa problems. So any and all input is deeply requested. Talk to me like I'm one of your slower students, and maybe I'll understand, lol.

[Shroob]

[Bud Powell]

It's not that big a hassle. Just apply and follow the directions.

PUBLIC university work is for you. Avoid 2-year colleges unless you know the school. The students don't always speak very good English.

Got more questions? Ask. We can help if the search feature draws a blank.

[Mandrews1985]

I think being outside of the US maybe a problem.

You may need to go back to the US to get your visa processed? Or there maybe some kinda of courier service that will do it for you. Worth getting some information with regards to that.

Otherwise, university gig is what you want.

Good luck!

[Bud Powell]

[MrWright]

Thanks everybody. So all foriegn teachers have to start in their home countries? Damn!! How do teachers move between counties? Do all teachers coming to China do that? I guess they reimburse your flight, so maybe that would be a good time to visit home. But I just got here!!

I know it's been said before, but in your recent experience what's the best place or method of finding uni work?

What are the hiring seasons and for what kinds of schools?

You guys are great. I appreciate the help.

[Shroob]

[Bud Powell]

At the risk of sounding rude, I will posit that the OP is a chain yanker.

According to my search, he has been asking questions about working abroad in several different countries since 2008, but he seems not to have really gone anywhere or made serious inquiries about what he has to do to enter a foreign country to work. He's asked about everything from having tattoos to raising a family abroad. I see lots of questions but no action on his part. This has been going on for six years.

Now, he's out of his native Arizona and "out of the country". Where exactly is he? If he finally figured out how to get out of Arizona and out of the country, why can't he figure out how to get into China?

I don't think an ESL forum can give him what he needs. So far, he hasn't even asked the right kinds of questions to get the help he needs.

I apologize if I am off-target, but after reading the trail of posts that the OP has left behind, I've concluded that he starts discussions in one country's forum, then goes to another and ask a completely unrelated question.

[MrWright]

I understand that perception. You'd have to know my life to understand. In a nutshell, I have been raising 2 daughters alone, got remarried, didn't work out, now kids are grown. My interests and aspirations have changed. I mean, it's been 6 years. Things change. I'm in thailand now, but not teaching. Just looking for advise. If you don't want to give it, don't. If you'd like to help, it's very appreciated. And what could possibly be my motive to "yank" your chain? But whatever. I won't get into one of these forum battles I've read before about it. But that kinda does hurt coming from you bud. You've been one of the reliable sources of info here that I've come to listen to and respect. This has been an idea I've played with for years. But I was bogged down geographically cuz of my kids. Oldest is in the navy and youngest is off to college. Got divorced last November. So it's now time. As far as the different questions and countries, I'm not completely sold as to where to go, and there are different issues I wanted answers on. So I'm doing research. Is that surprising or inappropriate? Maybe. If so, my apologies. I thought that's what Dave's was for. If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer as honestly as I can given this is a public forum.

[Bud Powell]

As I said, I apologize if I'm wrong. I just couldn't find any evidence that you left Arizona.

[msinglynx]

just sounds to me like someone dreaming the dream and figuring out logistics. I'd say it's responsible of him. What does it matter to you where he is now? You're not the one who decides if he is serious or not. he will come when & if he's ready and not before and it's none of your business how long it takes for that to happen.

Shit. It took me from the time I was 19 until I was 26 to get up the courage (and desperation!) to just do it.

[msinglynx]

[Bud Powell]

[Mandrews1985]

It seems like you've decided that it's the right time to get work in China. It is a big step, regardless of your age, so you're right to be cautious.

IMO, if you want a relaxing, no pressure style job without the 40 hour work week, you need to consider the Oral English at a university route. Normally you have 20 hours of work or less a week.

First thing you should do is check out the job boards for the ones posted by the university, rather than recruiter. Here's a quick list I just compiled from the last week of adverts:

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/china/index.cgi?read=32695

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/china/index.cgi?read=32694

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/china/index.cgi?read=32651

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/china/index.cgi?read=32623

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/china/index.cgi?read=32574

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/china/index.cgi?read=32549

http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/china/index.cgi?read=32797

Now you should look through them, wikipedia the cities, look at what they entail and decide which ones seem most interesting for you.

Send off an email explaining what qualifications you have and your current situation (being in Thailand) and see what happens.

For what it's worth, summer holidays are around the corner and I'm sure most universities would want their recrutiment done as early as possible. So you should be applying today, well the sooner the better anyway.

[Riff Raff]